Kenya set to play Australia in FIFA Womens Series following victory over India
Harambee Starlets, led by coach Beldine Odemba, managed to secure a win in the days second match in the bright sunshine of Nairobi by scoring once in each half.
Goals from Martha Amunyolet and Terry Engesha helped the Starlets in this exciting game. This event forms a key element in Harambee Starlets preparations for the 2026 Womens Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled in Morocco between July 25 and August 16.
In the meantime, Malawis Scorchers had a challenging opening to their involvement after losing 5-0 to Australia, who scored first in the sixth minute through a swift offensive play that surprised Malawis backline.
Malawi suffered defeat to Australia
The Scorchers slowly adapted to the game, displaying better form and advancing to find a leveller.
Near the interval, Malawi nearly equalised with a free-kick from Rose Kadzere that was stopped, followed by Vanessa Chikupilas follow-up shot being cleared. Yet, Australia added another goal in the 41st minute, leading 2-0 at the break.
Malawi kept battling after the restart, as Chikupila challenged the keeper from afar in the 53rd minute, though the shot was easily caught.
Australia increased their advantage with strikes in the 60th, 86th, and 90+2 minutes, exploiting errors in defence to claim a dominant win. As a result, the Scorchers will meet India in the third-place match on Wednesday.
Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili commented post-match: We have gained valuable insights, naturally it was a hard encounter against a seasoned team. They frequently exploit errors.
The goalkeeper performed adequately, yet in certain moments, she might have prevented the goals. There exists a significant difference between the sides we encounter in the COSAFA area and Australia.
These are seasoned athletes playing at elite levels in Europe, yet we have absorbed much knowledge.
Prior to the events start, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed praised the initiative of staging the Series, emphasising its role in advancing the sport domestically.
Organising this competition marks a major advancement for Kenyas football. It offers our national squad essential global experience while enhancing our skills in running top-tier events, stated Hussein.
We are grateful to the Government for their backing and partnership in realising this.
The Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya stressed the value of such events in elevating Kenya internationally.
Hosting an event like this demonstrates the strides Kenya is taking in sports advancement, remarked Mvurya.
It indicates we are progressing correctly and bolstering our global standing. We value the Federations coordination with the wider goal of expanding sports nationwide.
Australia holds the top ranking
The competition wraps up on Wednesday, April 15, featuring the third-place contest at 2.00 pm, then the final at 6.00 pm to crown the first FIFA Womens Series winner.
Staging the FIFA Womens Series allows Kenya to bolster vital aspects of football growth outside of the games themselves.
The event will aid in improving tournament management, logistical arrangements, and refereeing, providing crucial practice in handling worldwide events.
Of the four participating nations, Australia ranks highest at 15th globally. India sits at 67th, Kenya at 134th, and Malawi at 153rd.